Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-11-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how a mechanical arm works, and how the joints that make up the arm function in the same way as those in a human arm. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 4.0)

The figure illustrates the working process of a humanoid arm that is very similar to an arm of a human in terms of function.

Overall. from the figure it can be seen that the motors are the most important part of the mechanical arm w

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 2.5

The opening identifies the diagram as showing a mechanical arm and makes a relevant comparison with a human arm. The overview also begins to identify the motors as important, but it ends mid-sentence (“the most important part of the mechanical arm w”), so the main features and how the arm functions are not actually summarised. There is no account of the computer’s control, the base, pivot, shoulder, elbow, wrist or gripper, and the alternative end-effectors are omitted. The response is also substantially below the required 150 words. To improve, complete the overview and describe the main components and their functions, including the comparison with human joints, using only details shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

The response has a basic sequence: it introduces the figure and then attempts an overall statement. This gives the reader a starting point, but the second sentence is cut off and there is no further organisation or progression through the diagram. The standalone “Overall.” is also an awkward break before the next sentence, rather than a smoothly integrated overview marker. Because the response stops before describing any components, relationships between the computer, motors, joints and end-effectors are not made clear. Develop the answer in distinct paragraphs—for example, an overview followed by a description of the arm’s structure and its functions—and use linking phrases to show how the parts connect.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The vocabulary is relevant to the task: “figure,” “working process,” “humanoid arm,” “function” and “motors” show an attempt to describe the diagram rather than discuss an unrelated topic. However, the range is very limited because the response ends after only a few phrases, and it does not use the specific labels that would allow precise reporting, such as “pivot,” “shoulder,” “wrist,” “gripper” or “alternative end-effectors.” “Working process” is also less precise for a diagram of components and their functions. Use the diagram’s technical terms and verbs such as “rotate,” “raise,” “lower,” “flex” and “control” to make the description more specific and informative.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The first sentence is a complete, understandable sentence, and the phrase “that is very similar to an arm of a human” shows an attempt to use a relative clause. However, the response provides too little evidence of grammatical range, and the second sentence is incomplete: “Overall. from the figure it can be seen that the motors are the most important part of the mechanical arm w” stops before its thought is finished. The punctuation after “Overall” also incorrectly separates it from the sentence. Aim to write complete sentences with accurate punctuation, and vary simple statements with clauses explaining each component’s function—for example, “The shoulder raises and lowers the arm, while the pivot allows it to rotate.”

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